Boarders to return for Series 2
- BBC Three comedy drama Boarders is to return for six more episodes
- "Series 1 saw these five outsiders begin to thrive. Series 2 asks how much they're willing to sacrifice just to survive"
- Creator Daniel Lawrence Taylor says: "The response to the first series has been incredibly inspiring, and I'm thrilled to announce the arrival of our second!"
BBC Three comedy drama Boarders has been given the greenlight for a second series.
The format, which launched in February, follows five talented black inner-city teens transported to an alien world - a British boarding school - after gaining scholarships to the prestigious St. Gilbert's.
Following the success of the first run, creator Daniel Lawrence Taylor will now write six more 45 minute episodes of the show. The BBC says: "Series 1 saw these five outsiders begin to thrive. Series 2 asks how much they're willing to sacrifice just to survive."
Josh Tedeku (Jaheim), Jodie Campbell (Leah), Sekou Diaby (Toby), Myles Kamwendo (Omar) and Aruna Jalloh (Femi) will all reprise their roles for the second series, alongside Daniel Lawrence Taylor who returns as their mentor Gus.
Series 2 sees a new era for St Gilbert's, with headmaster Bernard - who had brought the scholarship students into the school - suspended following a school rebellion. Now acting headmistress Carol Watlington-Geese (who also happens to be the mother of Jaheim's nemesis, Rupert) is at the helm - and she wants them gone.
Further returning cast will include Harry Gilby (Rupert), Tallulah Greive (Beatrix), Rosie Graham (Florence), Assa Kanouté (Abby), Niky Wardley (Carol Watlington-Geese) and Derek Riddell (Headmaster Bernard) with more to be announced in due course.
Daniel Lawrence Taylor says: "The response to the first series has been incredibly inspiring, and I'm thrilled to announce the arrival of our second! What I've cherished most about creating this series is showcasing Black experiences on screen and seeing how it resonates with everyone. While race can sometimes divide us, the emotions of feeling different, isolated, or trying to fit in are truly universal. I'm especially excited to collaborate with the cast again; they are all budding superstars, and I'm overjoyed to see them bring my words to life once more! I can't wait for you to see it!"
Madeleine Sinclair from producers Studio Lambert comments: "We're so excited to be returning to the world of Boarders for the BBC. Series 1 saw our five leads navigating the complicated world of St Gilbert's in their own unique ways. Series 2 will follow their journeys across a new term of challenges as they strive to succeed. Daniel's fantastic scripts continue to offer an irresistible blend of comedy and drama and our gift of a cast are back to make us laugh, cry and thoroughly entertain."
Lindsay Salt from the BBC adds: "With brilliant scripts from Daniel and star-making performances from its young cast, Boarders has received a fantastic response since arriving on BBC iPlayer and BBC Three earlier this year. We're delighted to enrol for another term."